
2.
What does he plead with them to do? Verse 1, last part.
NOTE.—"Present." "The verb used is the regular word used for
bringing to offer in sacrifice."
"Your bodies." "The body is the organ of practical activity, which
practical activity is to be dedicated to God; better still, as an indication
that the sanctification of Christian life is to extend to that part of man's
nature which is most completely under the bondage of sin."—Alford.
"A living sacrifice." In contrast to the offerings of beasts which were
slain. The beast could be offered but once; the body is a continual sac-
rifice, denying itself all the evil tendencies and lusts, and serving God
positively.
"Reasonable." Logical, spiritual. It is rendered both.
"In the time of ancient Israel, every offering brought as a sacrifice
to God was carefully examined. If any defect was discovered in the
animal presented, it was refused; for God had commanded that the
offering be 'without blemish.' So Christians are bidden to present their
bodies, 'a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.' In order to do
this, all their powers must be preserved in the best possible condition.
Every practice that weakens physical or mental strength unfits man for
the service of his Creator. And will God be pleased with anything less
than the best we can offer?"—"The Great Controversy," p. 473.
3.
To what should we not be conformed? Verse 2, first clause.
Norz.—The Revised Version reads: "Be not 'fashioned' according
to this world." We owe the world nothing, any more than we are debtors
to the flesh. Rom. 8:12. "The unregenerate flesh is evil and the whole
world lieth in the evil one." God has called us out of both. We are not
only not to be enslaved with the lusts of the flesh, but we are not to be
molded, conformed to, fashioned, according to the world; we are to rise
above its power and influence. We are in the world, but we should not
be of the world. (See John 15:17-19.)
4.
How are we transformed? Verse 2, second clause.
NOTE.—"Be ye transformed." The world transforms us for death.
Under God we are molded for life. Not by our own power do we win, but
by the power of God, and we cooperating with Him. Let His Holy Spirit
into your life. Plead His promise of a new heart, a new spirit, follow
God's word, and so prove Him by a life of partnership. The attractions
of the world will wither, and the promises of God will be life channels
between us and the God of life.
5.
What will we thus prove? Verse 2, last clause.
NOTE.—"There is a great work to be accomplished for Sabbath
keepers. Their eyes must be opened, and they see their true condition,
and be zealous and repent, or they will fail of everlasting life. The spirit
of the world has taken possession of them, and they are brought into
captivity by the powers of darkness. They do not heed the exhortation
of the apostle Paul: 'And be not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is
that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.' "—"Testimonies,"
Vol. 1, pp. 478, 479.
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